WEST Mercia Police has urged motorists to drive carefully after the force recieved reports of 27 crashes in the area in just one day.

In a tweet, the operations and communications centre said 12 reports they had recieved today (Thursday), as of 4.51pm, required immediate police response.

The centre also urged drivers to adjust their speed to the wet conditions.

Those 12 which required police to attend immediately were among the 27 reported to the force. It's thought that number includes crashes on the A49, A4103 and B4214 in Herefordshire.

It is not known if wet weather was a factor in any of the following incidents.

This morning, firefighters and police officers attended a single vehicle crash on the A49 at Bridstow, near Ross-on-Wye at 6.31am. Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service said when the crew rom Ross-on-Wye arrived, they found the car had crashed into a wall.

READ MORE: Emergency services called to A49 crash in Herefordshire

An hour later, a fire crew from Bromyard was then called to another single vehicle crash on the B4214 in Edwyn Ralph where a car had overturned. No-one was trapped, but firefighters worked to make the vehcile safe.

READ MORE: Traffic delays after single car crash in Herefordshire

At around 3.25pm, a van was involved in a crash a Whitestone, near Hereford, on the A4103. The fire service confirmed West Mercia Police was also in attendance.

Over the border in Worcestershire the M5 was closed for several hours today following a crash shortly before 11am, which saw acetone spilled across the carriageway.

West Midlands Ambulance Service said it assessed four patients at the scene of the crash, between Droitwich and Bromsgrove, with one man treated for injuries not believed to be serious. He was the taken to Worcestershire Royal Hospital for further assessment.

READ MORE: Man taken to hospital after two lorries and a car crash on the M5

Advice on driving in wet weather from the RAC includes:

  • Reduce speed
  • Use dipped headlights
  • Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front
  • Avoid standing water as driving too fast through it could lead to aquaplaning. To regain grip, ease off the accelerator, do not brake and allow your speed to reduce until you gain full control of the steering again